Images of Sexiness
I was reading an article earlier about a now 18 year old absolutely gorgeous model who was told a few years ago that she was too obese to model. Gerren Taylor was then 6' tall and a size 4. That number may not mean much to male readers but surely female readers are sputtering to themselves and saying, "what??? that's crazy!"
It is crazy. We've become a society that is obsessed with perfection. Those who can't measure up to magazine and Hollywood standards often feel unattractive even though that opinion could not be farther from the truth. In his new documentary, "America the Beautiful", Darryl Roberts follows Gerren's career and the country's obession with physical beauty. As part of his research for the film, Roberts interviewed 150 women, asking each if they considered themselves attractive. Two responded "yes". TWO. Isn't that a sad commentary on our society and it's distorted point of view?
As I was thinking about all this, my mind wandered to the types of pictures I post on my blog. Usually they're the perfect people. Perfect butts to be sure :) Since I have a largely male readership I wondered, do you see photos here and simply appreciate the beauty or do they leave you feeling unattractive? Do you compare your wife/girlfriend to these photos and find them lacking? I certainly don't want to perpetuate distorted thinking.
I see images like this and I appreciate the beauty. And.. I admit, I realize that I don't look like these women :) I'm 46 and decidedly not even a size 4. However, I tend not to compare myself to models and starlets. I try not to compare myself at all, but if I do, I tend to observe the real people around me - the ones who actually eat and who aren't all silicone, botox, and caps. When I do that, I realize I'm average - something with which I am definitely ok. As for my fella - well he doesn't look like the fella in the photo above, but I think he's gorgeous.
I do remember feeling somewhat inadequate with regard to my physical appearance when I was in my twenties and even early thirties. When I reached my 40s, I hit my stride. I'm not vain by a long shot, but I like myself well enough. I wonder, does this sort of comfort and acceptance come with maturity? As we mature are we less susceptible to media influences or just more aware of their power?
Mostly a mish-mash of thoughts, I know. Apologies if you are lost and still looking for the point :)
Labels: self esteem
posted by Lady Julia @ 4:05 PM
4 Comments
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4 Comments:
Average you will never be. You're a gorgeous woman in every way.
When I look at photos of the stereotypical beautiful woman I appreciate her looks but that doesn't prevent me from appreciating women who are beautiful in a more wholesome, genuine way.
Do I feel unattractive when I see photos of men on your blog? There are photos of men on here? :-)
Lady Julia,
I agree we as a society have some strange cultural ideas when it comes to models, etc. We've had this discussion a few times; I just do not appreciate gaunt women. Nor do I find huge breasts exciting... ("well, you are not the average guy..") I do wander over to Domai.com occasionally, not because of the sexual aspect of the gorgeous young ladies, but more because they are more of a natural, usually smiling, fun loving portrait of life. I admire women who care for their health, both inside and out. I know quite a few women that are gorgeous, as a size 8 or 10 or 12 or whatever...
Photos of guys? What guys..? Oh,yeah, that inspiration to get back that 6 pack. Ok, ok... right Tom?
Hugs...
I appreciate the photos of the young, slender, curvy women. But it's in an other-worldly sort of way. "That's not a real person" goes through my head.
I'd just as much enjoying photos of real people, real women who put on a little bit of attitude and decide to have some fun.
As for the photos of the guys -- I'm not remotely intimidated by them. I have my own standards for myself. Granted, I don't meet those standards, but I'm working on it. But the standards I set for myself are based on doing the best I can with what I have. Weight should be healthy. I don't expect to look like the kind of guy who lives in the gym -- because I'm not that kind of guy. Instead, I'm a professional with a job and a variety of interests that engage the mind more than the muscles. And I don't have a problem looking like that.
Sexy is 90% attitude. It's very very hard to show that in photos. But "average" looking people can be darned sexy just by deciding they are going to be.
Lady Julia,
No one can be certain that maturity comes with the numbers attached to age, nor can the assume any aged number reflects the societally projected image of being a mature grown up. whether we are 46, 36, 16, or 96, we are only an example of what that number might seem to define.
Does that make us? Does that define us? Is that what we are?
Of course not.
You, my Lady, are truly you. You are personified as specifically specific as you are; it's this uniqueness which you own, and which I respect unconditionally.
Beneath this Respect is nurtured the chasteness of Love, pure and far away, bound gently within that which is full and empty, illuminated and dark, warm and shivering, the essence of the human compassion felt in your eyes, seen in your spirit, and touched by your Voice.
Lady Julia, your soul soars above and beyond the deepest dark regions of Space, and there is no average or mean number that can be a part of your infinity, your gift, your sincere and smooth intensity exemplified as a woman, caring, extraordinary, and alive.
willie owen
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